Formigas Islands are a series of small islands located in the Central Group of the Azores Archipelago, Portugal. They form part of the Natural Reserve of the Azores, a protected area that includes the islands of Formigas, Desertas and Selvagens. The islands are located about 21 miles (35 km) south of the island of São Miguel. The Formigas Islands are made up of two main islands, Formigas Grande and Formigas Pequenas. Formigas Grande is the largest of the two islands and offers spectacular scenery, with rocky cliffs and small coves.
It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, dolphins, and rare seabirds. Nowadays the only building on Formigas is a lighthouse. The Formigas Bank is a nature reserve. The waters are rich in marine life and offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. In the summer months, the islands are a popular destination for divers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
During the 19th century, the islands were used as a hideout for pirates and smugglers. Today, the islands